Shift Up Now fans and supporters, it's time for another round of our “Meet the Athlete” series!
Our goal is to tell the Athletes’ stories in a fun Q&A format, so you can get to know each one. That way, you’ll have even more reason to cheer for them, and show your support by being a Shift Up Now Member.
So without further ado, meet Ashlyn Speed!
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Growing up, one of my fears was not knowing what I was going to do with my life. All throughout school, as young kids, we were told you need to go to college, but that never appealed to me. I’ve always envisioned myself having a husband and big family of my own. While that is still attainable even having attended college, it still wasn’t the way for me. To this day, even after discovering my love for motorsport and now owning my own business, specializing in Russian Manicures, that is still one of my ultimate goals in life.
Where and how did you get started in racing?
One day after school, when I was seven years old, my dad asked me if I had any homework and if I knew what a go kart was. I answered “no” to both. That day, we went to K-1 Speed, a rental electric go kart facility. After taking my first laps, I thought nothing of it. Waiting for my next session on track, a worker walked up to us and said I had one of the fastest times of the month! She asked how long I had been racing for, to which I replied it was my first time. I began competing in their monthly league night and won the championship for the two years I competed.
Describe how you progressed through your early days to where you are now.
Since the start of my involvement in racing, THE KEY I’ve found to being successful is making connections. The way I got into racing cars was through a relationship I had made six years prior to my transition to cars. When I moved from the electric to high-speed, outdoor, gas-powered go karts I got to know the Snyder family.
That relationship persisted through my years of karting. Then randomly, Mr. Snyder asked me if I wanted to race his car. From that I was able to build more connections with people and eventually get the opportunity to compete at the 2024 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout.
The shootout is held by the series annually to discover and develop drivers. After the three-day competition between 12 drivers, three are selected to receive a large scholarship to race the MX-5 Cup for the following year. In 2025, I was selected as the first-ever female ambassador for Whelen Engineering, the title sponsor of the series.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
Everyone knows how expensive motorsports is. It is a constant struggle to find funding for racing. As a driver I am constantly in search for sponsorship. It’s just a matter of being in the right spot and knowing the right people. Eventually a lead will emerge, but the commitment from a company is rare.
What are some of your greatest achievements so far, or the things you’re most proud of?
My greatest achievement was winning the Women’s Initiative Scholarship for Mazda MX-5 Cup at the end of 2024. This was just proof that my 10 years of hard work and constant grinding was worth it. It showed how much people believe and want what’s best for me. Now being amidst the paddock in MX-5 Cup, Mazda has shown me how much support there is. Mazda will always have a special place in my heart.
What are you most looking forward to this upcoming year?
I’m looking forward to growing my race craft and social skills. Being thrown into a professional series has forced me to learn and adapt quickly. I know that whatever I end up doing long term in life, I will be able to bring all the lessons I’ve learned through racing into that. Growing up in a competitive environment has no doubt molded me into the person I am today. I wouldn’t have been able to acquire the skills I have without my involvement in motorsports.
What’s your favorite hobby, or way to spend your free time, outside of racing?
I own my own business doing nails, specializing in Russian structured gel manicures. This involves a deep cleaning of the cuticle and preparation of the nail plate, insuring that the nails last and don’t lift. Through this, I’m able to let my creative side shine! I love making other ladies feel good about themselves.
What’s your “cheat meal” of choice?
My cheat meal of choice is ice cream. I love eating clean, as it fuels me to make me feel good and it tastes yummy. If you ask me to go get ice cream though, I will not say no!
Where are you racing next?
On June 6-8, Mazda MX-5 Cup will be racing in Mid-Ohio. I’m so excited, as it is my first time at this track. I’m enjoying my time with Hendricks Motorsports and can’t wait to see what we can do as a team in a couple of weekends.
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